Caffeine Fix: The Southwest Regional Barista Competition begins Friday and runs through Sunday. Sponsored by the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, it's free to the public. Six of the most highly skilled baristas will compete in the finals for the title of 2011 South West Regional Barista Champion, with the chance to represent the United States at the World Barista Championship in Bogota, Columbia in June. The Coffee Bean will have a regular coffee bar at the event as well as a "Brewbar," where you can make your own coffee using any method you like. But that's not all. Expect gourmet food trucks, live music and can’t-miss after parties to go along with all the coffee you can handle.

Siren Studios: 6063 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028.

Pre-party: After 13 years, Angel City Brewing is about to open their first Downtown Los Angeles brewery, bar and shop on March 17. Across the street from the brewery, owner Michael Bowe is transforming an empty lot into a festive event space that will be filled with lots to do and see in the two weekends leading up to the grand opening. On March 5, 6, and 7, and 11, 12 and 13 (Fridays 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.), all are welcome to try hand-selected microbrews, eat from gourmet food trucks, look at art by local artists, and listen to live music.

216 South Alameda Street, Los Angeles.

Cross country cheese: Tillamook Cheese’s “Loaf Love Tour,” the second annual event that brings cheese all across the country, is returning to Southern California, making stops in Orange County and Los Angeles from March 5 to May 14. Along with cheese samples, coupons and more, The Loaf Love Tour will be offering free admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific on Saturday, March 5 for the first 100 fans who sport the brightest and wildest Tillamook Cheese orange outfit they can. To follow the tour and see where they are at any given time (be it grocery stores, farmers’ markets or special events) tune into Tillamook Cheese on Facebook or follow @TillamookCheese on Twitter.